JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Officials with Entergy Mississippi announced the company has committed $425,654 to provide bill assistance and income-based programs to older adults and customers with disabilities.

The power company announced the contribution at a recent Mississippi Braves game. The bill assistance, which includes contributions from employees, customers and shareholders, is distributed through Entergy’s The Power to Care program, with the help of The Salvation Army.

“Extreme heat increases electricity use, causing power bills to rise and creating further strain on budgets,” said Valarie Mabry, public affairs analyst. “However, relief is available, even when there is no reprieve from the weather. We are proud that our employees, customers and shareholders join together to provide assistance for those who need it most through The Power to Care program.”

Entergy Mississippi customers can help their neighbors in need by donating to the program and adding a monthly gift to their bill. To learn more about how to make a one-time gift donation by credit card or check, visit www.entergy.com/care.

Customers having difficulty paying their bill may also qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. LIHEAP is funded through the federal government and works with community action agencies to qualify customers and distribute the funds.

Here are some other energy efficiency tips:

• Change air filters. Air filters on some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or replacing.
• Setting the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature.The smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower your energy usage and bill will be.
• Buy a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat can help manage costs, is controllable, and can help monitor usage.  
• Use fans to cool off. Ceiling fans, box fans and oscillating fans use very little electricity to circulate the air. Make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – counter-clockwise during summer – to push cooler air down into the room. Be sure to turn all fans off in unused rooms.
• Close blinds, shades and curtains to keep the sun out and the cool air in. Also, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use.
• Seal cracks and holes around doors, windows and ductwork. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air in and the hot air out.
• Use the myAdvisor tool on myentergy.com. The usage and cost tool can compare usage history by month, day and hour.